After joining, you’ll receive access to the penpal sign-up form. On the 5th of each month, you’ll receive your Islander match by email along with that month’s seasonal writing prompt and mail theme. From there, you’ll have the rest of the month to write and send out your letter before the next exchange begins.

Yes! The exchange is open internationally. Just keep in mind that international mail can take longer or experience delays, so please participate at your own discretion.

Matches are handled privately, and only pen names are shared publicly throughout the process. Mailing addresses are only shared between matched participants with consent, and for anyone wanting a little extra privacy, letters can also be forwarded through the Mellow Post P.O. box instead.

You’ll receive a confirmation once your letter has been received and forwarded by Mellow Co.

Matches are sent via email on the 5th of every month.

To be included in the current month’s exchange, new members must submit their sign-up form by the 4th of the month. Any forms submitted after the 4th will automatically be included in the following month’s exchange. The sign-up form only needs to be filled out once for each member.

Not at all! All you need is something to write with, paper, an envelope, and a stamp. Feel free to get creative with stationery, stickers, or little extras, but they're never required.

Your mail can be as simple or thoughtful as you’d like. It can be handwritten letters, playlists, recipes, sketches, stickers, or pressed flowers. Try to keep everything under 1 oz if you’re using a Forever Stamp. There’s no need to make anything perfect or elaborate. A sincere letter is already something special to receive.

The exchange is designed around rotating monthly matches rather than ongoing one-to-one penpals. This helps keep the experience safer and lower pressure for everyone involved. If you happen to be matched with the same person again later on and both of you would like to continue writing, you’re welcome to do so outside of the exchange.

Because standard forwarding does not include tracking, I’m unable to locate or guarantee delivery once it is with the postal carrier. Lost mail is an unfortunate possibility with snail mail, but I’ll monitor any reported issues and revisit the process if it becomes a recurring problem.

No worries! Life gets busy sometimes, and the exchange is meant to feel fun, not stressful. If you can, reach out to me and I can let your match know. In the meantime, send your letter whenever you’re able to. Even a simple note can still mean a lot to someone receiving it.

• You can pause, resume, or cancel anytime through your shop account.
• If you pause your membership, you will lose access to the Digital Garden until your membership is active again.
• If you’re participating in the penpal exchange, your final match will be for the month after you pause or cancel your membership.